Before facing Pakistan in the Asia Cup Super 4, Team India head coach Rahul Dravid had all praise for his team’s bowling attack. Dravid claimed during a news conference that while India’s bowling attack might not be as ‘glamorous’ as their Pakistani counterparts, they still do the job.
He was attempting to explain this when he ran out of a term, but he quickly came up with another way to make his point.
After India defeated Pakistan in the group round, the two Asian powerhouses clashed for the second time in the competition.
“They are a good bowling side, but we also bowled well to restrict them to 147 (in the first match),” Dravid said on being asked whether Pakistan has a better bowling line-up.
“End of the day bowling analysis is the most important thing. You are judged by the results you produce. I respect their bowling but I am very confident that we have a good bowling attack that produces results.”
On the eve of the prestigious game, the former captain told the media: “(Our bowling) might not look very glamorous but in terms of results we got some guys who produce results.”
Avesh Khan, a pace bowler, is still questionable for the crucial game.
“Avesh has been under the weather but hopefully he should be okay for tomorrow or for the later part of the tournament,” said Dravid.
Arshdeep Singh, Hardik Pandya, and Yuzvendra Chahal are the speed alternatives for India’s bowling unit, which is led by veteran seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Axar Patel, who took Ravindra Jadeja’s place due to injury, and Yuzvendra Chahal are the spin possibilities.
In Dravid’s opinion, the team will be put to the test in tight contests against Pakistan before the T20 World Cup in October-November.
“We know Pakistan is a good team and it is a challenging match,” said Dravid.
“It will be a packed stadium and there is always an edge to these games and it’s good to play such games where you are tested. It’s good to play such tournaments before the World Cup.”
Three of Pakistan’s fast bowlers, including star quick Shaheen Shah Afridi, suffered injuries, but Naseem Shah’s rapid bowling has kept the opposition’s batters on their toes.
